Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer Assembly Patented

Dr. Christoph R. Englert, a space scientist at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, has been awarded a patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office for his compression assembly design for spatial heterodyne spectrometer interferometer applications. The methods can be used for high-resolution space- and ground-based spectroscopy of diffuse sources, including atmospheric emissions or trace gas absorptions. The system is cost-efficient and robust, and it provides design flexibility with the option of various spacer materials.